IL HB3551

Establishes the Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to provide financial assistance for adults over age 25 pursuing online postsecondary education in workforce shortage fields

Grants of up to $5,000 per student are available for tuition and mandatory fees, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, subject to appropriation

Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents, U.S. permanent residents, enrolled in a fully online degree or certificate program at a qualified institution, and must not already hold a bachelor's degree

Qualified institutions include accredited not-for-profit schools offering exclusively online classes with at least 100,000 full-time students, a federal student loan default rate not exceeding 10%, and tuition costs below Illinois public university averages

Grant distribution prioritizes students with the greatest financial need, first-generation students, minority students, and those residing in rural areas